Bean & Boyhttp://beanandboy.com
Artisan Handmade Soap : Natural, Vegan, Cruelty-FreeMon, 19 Nov 2018 13:43:02 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.7.3http://beanandboy.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/cropped-ampersand-favicon-32x32.jpgBean & Boyhttp://beanandboy.com
3232Inspiring Women in Business: Meet Sophie from Betony and Sagehttp://beanandboy.com/2018/10/13/inspiring-women-business-meet-sophie-betony-sage/
http://beanandboy.com/2018/10/13/inspiring-women-business-meet-sophie-betony-sage/#respondSat, 13 Oct 2018 12:14:01 +0000http://beanandboy.com/?p=1289Sometimes you meet a soul who is just so full of the wonderfulness of the earth, you can’t help but connect. Sophie is just like that – a real-life park ranger who makes the most incredible natural herbal oils, candles and smudge sticks inspired by her daily work in the natural environment. Her makes are […]

Sometimes you meet a soul who is just so full of the wonderfulness of the earth, you can’t help but connect. Sophie is just like that – a real-life park ranger who makes the most incredible natural herbal oils, candles and smudge sticks inspired by her daily work in the natural environment.

Her makes are pure natural magic, a tiny bit of alchemy to add to your home or workplace to remind you of the great wide world outside. Also! That instagram grid

Her shop, Betony and Sage, is a tribute to the magical natural world around us and all of the windfall gifts that mother nature gives us. She carefully collects and preserves natural ingredients, uses them in her creations, and shares them with us. Find out more about her work in our interview below.

Tell us, what does your business do?

Our aim is to inspire others to connect with the natural world. Whether that be through nature inspired products, foraging walks or nature retreats and meditations. Our products are Earth kind and we make every effort to use sustainably sourced ingredients that tread lightly on this planet.

What inspired you to start your business? And what keeps you going?

My passion for nature and the importance of nature connection.

What did you do before you did this awesome job?

I still work full time as a ranger, I look after an area of countryside. It’s an amazing job but I wanted to create my own business doing more of what I am passionate about.

What do you love most about what you do?

I love connecting people with the natural world and plant magic. I think fostering these connections will help us all to look after this magnificent planet for the better. I also love making things, it’s like a meditation when I make my products I can’t describe it.

Where are you based? Where can people find you in person?

I live in Kent. I run monthly Folk and Forage walks near my home and anyone can join me for free. I’m just setting up my website where more mature based events will be listed, so check it out when it’s here. I’m hoping to get to some fairs soon, not sure where so if anyone has any good suggestions let me know!

Watch this space! What does the future hold for Betony and Sage?

Rewildling the self workshops, wild medicine workshops, nature meditation guides, more free walks and more opportunities to meet others and connect with nature. My new website and more collaborations with amazing makers and creators.

Connect with Sophie on the World Wide Web:

]]>http://beanandboy.com/2018/10/13/inspiring-women-business-meet-sophie-betony-sage/feed/0GUEST BLOG: DIY Tips for Everyday Protection using Crystals, Angels and Energy workhttp://beanandboy.com/2018/10/07/guest-blog-diy-tips-everyday-protection-using-crystals-angels-energy-work/
http://beanandboy.com/2018/10/07/guest-blog-diy-tips-everyday-protection-using-crystals-angels-energy-work/#respondSun, 07 Oct 2018 19:30:34 +0000http://beanandboy.com/?p=1254Do you remember the lovely Delmeza you met in this blog post? She’s back to give us all an insight into the kind of work that she does on a daily basis. Today she’s sharing an article with us about looking after yourself and nourishing your energy with three areas you can work on right now. If you’re […]

Do you remember the lovely Delmeza you met in this blog post? She’s back to give us all an insight into the kind of work that she does on a daily basis. Today she’s sharing an article with us about looking after yourself and nourishing your energy with three areas you can work on right now. If you’re feeling drained, tired or in need of a pick-me-up, Delmeza is here to help. Here’s an insight into the kind of work that Delmeza does, if you’re interested and want to learn more then you can find her online at www.healingwithdelmeza.com.

Here’s what she has to say:

It is very important to protect yourself and your energy field from harsh energies. Have you
ever felt drained or tired after visiting crowded places? Or sometimes a friend in need might
unwillingly deplete your energy when they are feeling low and down? It is so easy to pick up
other people’s energies and moods and it can leave you feeling tired, drained and even in a
low mood. There are ways to help yourself and these are some DIY tips and ideas for everyday
protection:

Crystals

Wear or a carry a black Tourmaline crystal with you. It is considered one of the most powerful protection stones. It can protect you against unwanted harsh energies, energy vampires and psychic attacks. Tourmaline also helps you stay grounded and is associated with healing, positivity and even good luck. Tourmaline protects and heals on all levels – emotional, mental, physical and spiritual. It is often used by Energy healers and Light workers for protection and grounding. You can also place the crystal/s in and around your house and office for protection.Shungite is another amazing stone which can be used for protection against EMF (electromagnetic field) radiation. It is believed that Shungite absorbs and neutralises the EMF rays.

Unfortunately we are exposed to these harmful and dangerous EMF rays in our everyday lives. In an ideal world we should totally eliminate everything that radiates EMF like our mobile phones, microwaves, Bluetooth devices, Digital TV, digital radio etc.

This isn’t always possible but we can cut down the use and exposure to these EMF rays by using these devices less frequently and by adding extra protection by placing Shungite in and around your house/office near these devices/equipment that omit EMF rays) One can also wear or
carry the stone with you for protection. It is important to cleanse your crystals from negative/stagnant energy by placing them under running water.

Angels

All of us has at least one Guardian Angel and these Celestial beings are assigned to us from birth until the last breath we take. As we have free will the Angels won’t intervene in our lives unless we ask for assistance. When you are feeling alone or you need help or protection call upon your Guardian Angel/s for help and guidance.

The Angels will send us different signs to show they are near; like feathers, rainbows, angel cloud formations, pennies, elastic/hair bands (as Halos), repetitive numbers and even hearing the lyrics of a specific song when you need it the most. Just ask for the signs and they will show you.

Archangel Michael is the Angel of protection who carries his mighty sword. Call upon Archangel Michael for protection. All you need to do is ask for his protection and he will be with you. He can protect you on all levels, dimensions and time frames. Call on him

Whenever you feel the need of protection for yourself, your home, animals and loved ones. Archangel Michael can be with you anytime and anywhere and at multiple places at once as he is omnipresent and not bound by time or distance. Remember to thank your Angels when you have asked for their help and guidance

Energetic Protection

Another way to protect yourself is with energy. All you need to do is envisage a Protective Bubble all around you. If it helps, close your eyes to do this. Use protection bubbles in crowded places, protection against “energy vampires”, for healing/energy work, for meditation and even when you meet that person who always seem to drain your energy.

Use cobalt blue for crowded places and energies that drains you, pink bubble of love when you want to give loving energy to someone who needs it without feeling/getting drained yourself and white/gold for psychic protection while meditating or doing energy/healing work. You can do this as often as you feel necessary.

]]>http://beanandboy.com/2018/10/07/guest-blog-diy-tips-everyday-protection-using-crystals-angels-energy-work/feed/0#smallbiz100http://beanandboy.com/2018/09/20/smallbiz100/
http://beanandboy.com/2018/09/20/smallbiz100/#respondThu, 20 Sep 2018 08:26:05 +0000http://beanandboy.com/?p=1279Today we are humbled to be honoured as one of the @smallbizsatuk#smallbiz100 🙌 every single soap is handmade in small batches with big love. We use the ancient cold process method (with a few modern twists) to honour the time-old method of making natural skincare that locks in the natural benefits of the ingredients used. We used […]

]]>http://beanandboy.com/2018/09/20/smallbiz100/feed/0Inspiring Women In Business: Meet Delmeza from Healing with Delmezahttp://beanandboy.com/2018/09/13/inspiring-women-business-meet-delmeza-healing-delmeza/
http://beanandboy.com/2018/09/13/inspiring-women-business-meet-delmeza-healing-delmeza/#respondThu, 13 Sep 2018 11:56:12 +0000http://beanandboy.com/?p=1249I met Delmeza in Leigh-on-Sea at the Farmer’s Market – it’s a regular haunt for us, taking place on the third friday of the month at the Leigh Community Centre. We’re both South African, which is quite unusual for this far out in Essex, and it was nice to connect over a shared love of […]

I met Delmeza in Leigh-on-Sea at the Farmer’s Market – it’s a regular haunt for us, taking place on the third friday of the month at the Leigh Community Centre. We’re both South African, which is quite unusual for this far out in Essex, and it was nice to connect over a shared love of essential oils and natural products. She’s quite a brilliant complementary therapist, and has an incredible wealth of knowledge about all of the amazing things that fascinate me. I could talk to her for hours on end (and often do) – and I’d love for you to meet her.

Tell us, what does your business do?

I’m a Complementary Therapist, Intuitive Healer and Teacher. I’m qualified as an Aromatherapist, Reiki Master Practitioner and Crystal Healer. I offer a safe and relaxing space for you to receive treatments. Somewhere you can let go and find your truth…the Essence of your life.

What inspired you to start your business? And what keeps you going?

I love to help people. From a young age I have always felt drawn to energy work, touch therapies, angels and all things spiritual. It is a passion of mine and I would like to share it with you by giving treatments but also teaching people so that they can help themselves and improve their lives.

What did you do before you did this awesome job?

I’ve always worked in a professional environment where I could care and look after people in some sort of way. I worked in the Dental field for many years where I trained as a Dental nurse. I’ve also worked as an administrator and Clinical Therapist for a Holistic Medical Practice in Harley street.

What do you love most about what you do?

This is a passion of mine so it all comes naturally, caring and helping people. It brings a smile to my face and makes my heart sing knowing someone has benefited from a treatment session.

Where are you based? Where can people find you in person?

I’m based in Chalkwell/Leigh-on-sea borders in Essex. I have a lovely therapy room where I work from at home. I’m planning on going to a few local markets/fares to introduce myself and the services I offer

I’m planning on doing workshops in the future which will include most of everything I do. From essential oils, crystals, meditations, Angels and energy workshops. As I’m a qualified Reiki Master/Teacher, ill also be teaching this. So watch this space

Connect with Healing with Delmeza on the World Wide Web:

]]>http://beanandboy.com/2018/09/13/inspiring-women-business-meet-delmeza-healing-delmeza/feed/0BEAN AND BOY NAMED ONE OF UK’S TOP ‘SMALL BIZ 100’ BY SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAYhttp://beanandboy.com/2018/09/10/bean-boy-named-one-uks-top-small-biz-100-small-business-saturday/
http://beanandboy.com/2018/09/10/bean-boy-named-one-uks-top-small-biz-100-small-business-saturday/#respondMon, 10 Sep 2018 13:05:22 +0000http://beanandboy.com/?p=1242[SOUTHEND-ON-SEA, 10 SEPTEMBER 2018]: Southend-on-Sea’s Bean and Boy has been named as one of the UK’s top ‘Small Biz 100’ by Small Business Saturday. Bean and Boy, making traditional cold process soap by hand in small batches, has been selected as a trail-blazer in the official count-down to Small Business Saturday, which takes place across […]

[SOUTHEND-ON-SEA, 10 SEPTEMBER 2018]: Southend-on-Sea’s Bean and Boy has been named as one of the UK’s top ‘Small Biz 100’ by Small Business Saturday. Bean and Boy, making traditional cold process soap by hand in small batches, has been selected as a trail-blazer in the official count-down to Small Business Saturday, which takes place across the UK on 1 December 2018.

The achievements and contribution to the local community of Bean and Boy will be celebrated and spotlighted on one the 100 days running-up to Small Business Saturday. This is part of the campaign’s mission to celebrate small business success, and encourage the nation to ‘shop local’ and support British small businesses.

The 2018 Small Biz 100 are drawn from every corner of the UK and reflect the vibrancy of the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses. Reflecting the latest in innovative start-up trends, from ethical shopping, through to Artificial Intelligence, this year’s Small Biz 100 features a range of unique independent businesses. This year’s cohort joins hundreds of previous Small Biz 100 alumni champions, which have been celebrated by the iconic campaign since its UK launch in 2013.

Director of Small Business Saturday UK, Michelle Ovens said:

“The launch of the Small Biz 100 marks the exciting count-down to Small Business Saturday 2018. We are thrilled to highlight the dynamic, creative and inspiring small businesses from across the country, as part of our campaign to celebrate and champion the success of the UK’s small businesses. The Small Biz 100 showcases the companies at the heart of the UK’s economy, which we need to support now more than ever.”

In its sixth year Small Business Saturday is the UK’s most successful small business campaign, which last year saw an estimated £748m spent with small businesses across the UK on Small Business Saturday.

A grassroots, not-for-profit campaign, Small Business Saturday was originally founded by American Express in the U.S. in 2010. American Express remains the principal supporter ofthe campaign in the UK, as part of its on-going commitment to encourageconsumers to shop small.

The #SmallBizSatUK campaign trended at number one in theUK on Twitter during 2017, reaching over 115 million people globally. The Prime Minister and the Mayor of London were among those publically supporting the campaign. Over 87% of local councils also supported the campaign.

Small Business Saturday also benefits from the backing of leading business organisations including the Federation ofSmall Businesses and Enterprise Nation. The campaign is alsosupported by Amazon, Indeed, Royal Mail, Vistaprint, Xerox, and Square.

Small Business Saturday 2018 is open to all businesses to participate in, and will commence its regional bus tour roadshow across the UK during the autumn, to drum up further support.

Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities.

The day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses.

On Small Business Saturday, customers across the U.K go out and support all types of small businesses, online, in offices and in stores. Many small businesses take part in the day by hosting events and offering discounts.

]]>http://beanandboy.com/2018/09/10/bean-boy-named-one-uks-top-small-biz-100-small-business-saturday/feed/0DIY Bath Bombs with Verity from Lavaná Botanicalshttp://beanandboy.com/2018/08/23/diy-bath-bombs/
http://beanandboy.com/2018/08/23/diy-bath-bombs/#respondThu, 23 Aug 2018 08:40:34 +0000http://beanandboy.com/?p=1226Do you remember that I introduced you to Verity from Lavaná Botanicals last week? She’s a master of bath bombs, creating beautiful balls that fizz into life when you drop them into your bath, filling your tub with light oils to soothe, essential oils to uplift and relax, and just the right amount of colourful foam […]

Do you remember that I introduced you to Verity from Lavaná Botanicals last week? She’s a master of bath bombs, creating beautiful balls that fizz into life when you drop them into your bath, filling your tub with light oils to soothe, essential oils to uplift and relax, and just the right amount of colourful foam that my children adore. Lavaná Botanicals bath bombs contain an array of gorgeous skin-loving ingredients, purpose-chosen essential oils and other magic ingredients like mineral micas.

Today, Verity is sharing a DIY BATH BOMBS RECIPE with you.You can use this as a basis for your own bath bomb creations, and it’s a great activity to make with the whole family; because really, school holidays are long enough as it is – fit this fun DIY in an afternoon and the next night you will have shrieks of delight from toddlers and teenagers alike.

This isn’t one of Verity’s own personal and safety assessed recipes: instead, it’s a starter recipe designed to
get you making bath bombs for fun for your own home, and to get an idea of the love, care and attention
that goes into each one. Care should always be taken when using essential oils and ensure you’re working
in a well ventilated room as bicarbonate of soda can puff up when being mixed. When your bombs have
dried and it’s time to use them, take care not to use them on broken skin, around the eyes or on very small
children.

Are you ready to get started? Here’s the recipe!

Here’s an easy recipe that is designed to be gentle on the skin, makes lovely skin softening bathbombs with no nasty chemicals and smells divine. This batch will make you approximately 6 regular sizes bathbombs or 3 large bathbombs.

Ingredients you’ll need:

Bicarbonate of soda – 2 cups

Citric acid – 1 cup

Kaolin clay or Corn starch – 1 cup

Apricot kernel oil – 15ml

Polysorbate 80 – 15ml

Vanilla essential oil – 5ml

Witch hazel or rubbing alcohol

Gloves

Optional: 5g mica powder colour of choice

Instructions:

Mix together the dry ingredients, making sure that all pieces of bicarbonate of soda are broken up. A whisk or electric whisk can be handy for this part, however, be careful to work in a properly ventilated room as the dry ingredients can create dust when whisking. In a separate bowl, measure out the wet ingredients.

Then, slowly combine the wet with the dry while whisking to ensure he mixture doesn’t activate. If you’re using a mica powder, you should see your dry mixture colour start to darken. Then, grab your witch hazel and spray it onto your mixture while using your hands (wearing gloves) until the mixture turns into a texture similar to wet sand. Once you achieve this consistency, begin putting the mixture into the moulds.

Over fill the moulds, make a thumb sized hole in one side of the mould to help the bathbomb float later on, and then squish the two moulds together. Tap each side of the mould with your spoon and then gently release the bathbomb and place it somewhere safe to dry.

Leave for at least 24 hours until the bathbomb is hard. And there you have it!

]]>http://beanandboy.com/2018/08/23/diy-bath-bombs/feed/0Soapmaking Workshops: Dates Addedhttp://beanandboy.com/2018/08/20/soapmaking-workshops-dates-added/
http://beanandboy.com/2018/08/20/soapmaking-workshops-dates-added/#respondMon, 20 Aug 2018 21:22:57 +0000http://beanandboy.com/?p=1223We’ve booked some dates for our soapmaking workshops for the rest of the year. These are all happening at the Fishermens Chapel on New Road in Leigh On Sea (details are in the “book here” link for each event listed below), and are all suitable for beginner soapmakers or for those with some experience under […]

We’ve booked some dates for our soapmaking workshops for the rest of the year. These are all happening at the Fishermens Chapel on New Road in Leigh On Sea (details are in the “book here” link for each event listed below), and are all suitable for beginner soapmakers or for those with some experience under their belts who would just like a recap or want to experiment with new oils and techniques.

Each workshop listed below is themed – please take note of the topic before booking!

In this workshop we will be exploring the traditional and historic castile and aleppo soaps, looking at specialist oils, what makes them unique, and producing two luxury household soaps. Suitable for all levels.

In this festive extravaganza we will be making gloriously Chrsitmas-scented soaps, individually poured and decorated. They’ll cure in time for gift-giving under the Christmas tree, or for hoarding all for yourself. Everyone deserves a treat. Suitable for all levels.

]]>http://beanandboy.com/2018/08/20/soapmaking-workshops-dates-added/feed/0Reflexology: an introductionhttp://beanandboy.com/2018/08/20/reflexology-an-introduction/
http://beanandboy.com/2018/08/20/reflexology-an-introduction/#respondMon, 20 Aug 2018 07:41:25 +0000http://beanandboy.com/?p=1213I started making soap for my children and their ongoing struggles with eczema. After years of balancing soapmaking, a full-time job and studying, I have finally taken off my crazy hat and have decided to concentrate on soapmaking full time. Fuelled partially by long late nights making and wrapping soap, and partially to a long list of […]

I started making soap for my children and their ongoing struggles with eczema. After years of balancing soapmaking, a full-time job and studying, I have finally taken off my crazy hat and have decided to concentrate on soapmaking full time. Fuelled partially by long late nights making and wrapping soap, and partially to a long list of chronic medical conditions that have all reared in the past three years. It was time to full embrace my new path and let the past go.

And the studying? Well, living with chronic medical conditions means I get given a lot of medication. I’m grateful for it, of course, as it’s saving me but the whole experience has also drawn me into a deep and involved interest with the ways in which we can encourage the body to return to a balanced state of health more naturally and gently through simple everyday practices. Most recently, I’ve qualified as a reflexologist. I have no intention of leaving soapmaking and going off to faff with feet! While I’m fascinated with and respect the practice, I’ve studied it as a way to further my understanding of my own conditions and how we can use simple techniques to better our everyday.

And with that in mind, I’ve reached out to some amazing practitioners and makers who are going to share some tips and tricks with us in the coming weeks – aromatherapists, reflexologists, mindful practitioners, crystal healers, and more. Everyone has a nugget of wisdom that they are happy to share with you in a blog post here, so we can all start working together to banish the stress (sounds impossible!), encourage healthy, happy bodies (sounds great!) and restore balance (yes please!). Are you ready? Follow along on this amazing journey!

So let me tell you a little bit about reflexology. Basically, it’s the art of applying specific techniques and pressure to specific zones on the feet to stimulate a response in the body. It sounds crazy I know. Imagine that there’s a map of your body, and it’s superimposed on the soles of your feet. Reflexology uses the whole foot, but let’s just think about the underside of your tootsies for the minute. Your head is at the top, your pelvis at the bottom. Look at the map above, it will give you an idea.

You then use specific pressure and calculated movements to apply pressure to affected areas, and this stimulates the nerve endings under your feet (yes! science!) and these send messages to the area you’re working and say HEY! LET’S GET WORKING HERE! These messages help the body to direct increased blood flow to the affected area, and stimulates a rebalancing and return to a natural, healthy state. I’m being very careful not to use the words “healing” here because you’re not allowed to say that if you’re not a medical professional, but you get the gist.

Have you ever squeezed the fleshy bit on your hands between your thumb and forefinger for a headache? Or used “sick bands” on your wrist to stop nausea (or even just pressed your wrist on the underside)? or rubbed your temples to relieve a migraine? You’re already using reflexology.

Reflexology can be used to calm headaches, to make back pain more bearable until you have time to get to the chiropractor, it can be used to relieve sinus build up, and even help cheer you up when you’re feeling blue. You need to know how and where to press when you’re going to start working the feet, but if you’ve got so me information from a professional practitioner, and you’re armed with basic techniques as well as a rudimentary understanding of anatomy and human physiology, then will do you just fine.

The best thing about reflexology is that you can do it yourself, quietly while you’re watching TV at night. Worst case scenario, you end up with a jolly good foot rub. You can practice surreptitious hand reflexology at work if you’ve got a banging headache, and nobody even has to know what you’re doing.

I’ve got a few DIY techniques to share with you in the coming weeks, and I’ve got a lovely professional reflexologist joining in for a few guest blogs too – I’ll introduce her later this week. If you’re particularly interested in something, give me a shout on instagram and join the convo! Are you excited? I am!

Also as a side note – the chart used in this blog post is the one that every school gives you, every blog post uses, every chart you can download or buy. And they all have the same spelling mistake! Every single one! It makes me chuckle. See if you can find it. I’ve since started working on making my own arty charty with linocuts. It’s a slow but incredibly rewarding process.

]]>http://beanandboy.com/2018/08/20/reflexology-an-introduction/feed/0Inspiring Women in Business: Meet Verity from Lavaná Botanicalshttp://beanandboy.com/2018/08/10/inspiring-women-business-meet-verity-lavana-botanicals/
http://beanandboy.com/2018/08/10/inspiring-women-business-meet-verity-lavana-botanicals/#respondFri, 10 Aug 2018 17:03:14 +0000http://beanandboy.com/?p=1202Like all great modern-day romances, I met Verity from Lavaná Botanicals bath bombs online. We found each other on instagram, and discovered that our ethos and passions were closely linked. We share the same passion for bath time goodies (soap and bath bombs – a match made in bathtime heaven), we share the same passion for […]

Like all great modern-day romances, I met Verity from Lavaná Botanicals bath bombs online. We found each other on instagram, and discovered that our ethos and passions were closely linked. We share the same passion for bath time goodies (soap and bath bombs – a match made in bathtime heaven), we share the same passion for high quality natural ingredients, and we’re both made as a box of frogs (sorry Verity, it’s true though). We also both had day jobs in marketing before going back to our roots with ethically-made and naturally-focused goodies.

Verity’s going to pop by next week to share a DIY recipe with you all (YAY!) but in the meantime, here’s a little bit about her business and all of the awesome love and care that goes into each and every one of your bath time fizz balls.

Tell us, what does your business do?

We sell handmade bath bombs that use natural ingredients without any nasty chemicals or fillers. We love to decorate our bath bombs with pretty and unique paint strokes and colours! We also dabble at making beautiful natural soy wax candles and wax air fresheners decorated with real dried flowers.

What inspired you to start your business? And what keeps you going?

Actually, the video game Skyrim. It sounds very nerdy but I was always the alchemist in Skyrim and loved the idea of making potions with natural healing properties! So I went on to study Nutritional Therapy and from there I discovered a passion for making natural beauty products.

What did you do before you did this awesome job?

I was, and still am, a Content Manager for a large local company. I’ve always worked in marketing for my day job, so I live a pretty hectic lifestyle managing both jobs – but I absolutely love it! I love writing and planning, so it’s the perfect job for me.

Where are you based? Where can people find you in person?

I’m based in Reading but commute to Marlow for work every day, so I’m really lucky I can span across both Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. I also used to live in Marlow, which has the most amazing and supportive community so I’ve been really lucky to meet all the local businesses there! I am very happy to hand deliver goodies if it’s nearby, and regularly do this and say hi to my lovely customers. I was at Marlow Regatta earlier this year, and I’ll be attending events monthly for the rest of the year around Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.

What do you love most about what you do?

I love knowing that the products I’m creating are all natural and provide actual benefits to my customers. The ingredients I use leave skin noticeably soft and smooth, have a natural and delicate therapeutic smell, and many of my customers say that they’re totally relaxed and in a much better frame of mind after using one of my bath bombs.

What does the future hold for Lavaná Botanicals?

I’m working on an exciting range of face creams, face sprays and exfoliators! I’m particularly excited about my grapefruit body scrub that I’m working on, and a candelua face cream that’s literally to die for. I’m also going to be releasing Christmas bath bombs but I want to avoid any artificial smells and keep it totally natural.

You might recognise Beci Callow‘s distinctive style from our famous avocado gift set tins – designed to celebrate the hero ingredient in our soaps: avocado oil. She also made us some super funky square soap dishes that are the perfect fit for our square bars. In fact, I’ve amassed quite a collection of Beci Callow ceramic originals – she has an incredible style, her mark-making is free and creative, and her distinctive painted faces can’t help but make you smile.

We also work on the same farm! Our workshops are just about back to back, and it’s always nice to peek in and see what everyone’s up to / share creative ideas / ask for second opinions on soap scents.

Beci was kind enough to spare some time to share some insight into her creative process and business – here’s what she had to say.

Tell us, what does your business do?

I design and make jewellery and homewares using silver and ceramics from my workshop in Southend. The things that I make have a strong focus on bright colours and hand painted designs, you’ll often find an illustrated character or bold print incorporated in the things that I make. One of the things that I focus on in my business is to create things in an ethical way I like to create pieces that will last and bring joy.

What inspired you to start your business? And what keeps you going?

As a child I always loved the freedom that creating brought me, being able to realise an idea from thoughts and drawings into something real has always driven me to make things. I started my business as a way to share the things that I create as well as to help enable other people to realise their ideas through workshops.

What did you do before you did this awesome job?

Before setting up my business I worked in education, I have worked at two different schools one in a boarding setting and the other an academy. Although quite different from each other both of these jobs taught me a lot and I enjoyed sharing skills and making things with the students. I also learnt a lot about running workshops and different people’s approaches or feelings towards making.

What do you love most about what you do?

I really enjoy meeting and connecting with people, through doing markets and fairs I have met lots of brilliant people who live near me and its nice to feel part of a community. You’ll also always find me drawing and making new plans. I like to draw and sketch my next ideas and love the idea development stage of designing, It’s also pretty exciting opening kilns !

Where are you based? Where can people find you in person?

I’m based in Essex and have my ceramics workshop in Wakering. I try to do fairs and markets as locally as I can but you can also often find me in East London.

Watch this space! What does the future hold for Beci Callow Design?

My business is pretty new so I hope in the coming year my business and practice will continue to develop and grow. I am also starting to run workshops in Essex and London which I’m very excited about so keep your eyes peeled for all sorts of clay fun !!